Kabras RFC have made five changes to their starting squad ahead of their Kenya Cup encounter against Kenya Harlequin, set for Kakamega Showground on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Towering lock Shem Joseph earns his first Kenya Cup start this season and partners Hillary Odhiambo in the second row. They join a pack that has retained Edward Mwaura and Asuman Mugerwa in the front row, with captain Eugine Sifuna replacing co-captain Teddy Akala, who drops to the bench.
Kabras RFC miss key duo
The back row has also been reshuffled. Veteran George Nyambua and William Mwanji miss out, prompting Patrick Lumumba to shift to the blindside flank, where he is joined by Collins Indeche. Kenya Cup leading top try scorer Jeanson Misoga keeps his place at number eight.
In the halves, Roy Maruti returns after missing the last two outings due to concussion and pairs with Samuel Omollo, who is also back after shaking off discomfort that saw him miss the Strathmore Leos match before featuring in the ESS against Nakuru.
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Their availability sees Barry Young move into the midfield to partner the in-form Mathias Osimbo, who is enjoying a strong run after struggling from injury last season. Ever-present centre Walter Okoth is set to miss his first Kenya Cup match of the season.
At the back, with Jackson Siketi absent, Eric Cantona returns to fullback after starting at fly-half last weekend, joining Alfred Orege and Derrick Ashihundu in the back three.
On the bench, Mike Muriithi is in line for his first Kenya Cup appearance this season, while Jacktone Osoo has also been named in the matchday 23.
Kabras RFC squad vs Kenya Harlequin
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Edward Mwaura
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Eugine Sifuna (captain)
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Asuman Mugerwa
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Hillary Odhiambo
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Shem Joseph
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Patrick Lumumba
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Collins Indeche
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Jeanson Misoga
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Roy Maruti
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Samuel Omollo
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Alfred Orege
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Barry Young
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Mathias Osimbo
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Derrick Ashihundu
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Eric Cantona
Replacements
16. Teddy Akala
17. Emmanuel Otieno
18. Mike Muriithi
19. Clinton Litali
20. Jacktone Osoo
21. Mike Lukusi
22. Patrick Kluivert
23. Brian Kiptanui
ESS vs MMUST
1. Tom Nick
2. Jibril Lugonzo
3. Muriithi mike
4. Steve Odhiambo
5. Ronald Wangila
6. Bejil Ochieng
7. Wangila Andrew
8. Ombago Johnson
9. Erick Mbakaya
10. Valerian Tendwa
11. Elijah wasike
12. Victor Otieno
13. Darrel Omondi
14. Adrian Khwesa
15. James Olela
16. Gibson Perez
17. Darrel Oluoch
18. Lewis Ochieng
19. Calistus Wanjala
20. Job Wetangula
21. Chris Otieno
22. Branton Lilumbi
23. Matrix matangi
